Where to Stay
The city is known as the
Ciudad de Palacios (City of Palaces) for its exquisite colonial architecture making way for a modern cosmopolitan urban landscape. There is an array of hotel accommodations, which afford a variety of options to suit each traveller's preference, whether it's a small guesthouse or a world class hotel. Some areas are better suited to the tourist for their convenience and should be considered upon choosing adequate lodging.
City Centre: This area is known as the Centro Histórico for its colonial buildings, cathedrals and houses. The narrow streets bear names commemorating the city's most momentous historic events. Avenida 16 de Septiembre harbours the stately centuries old
Gran Hotel de la Ciudad de Mexico. A wonderful Art Nouveau building with an impressive glass dome, its terraces overlook the Zócalo and is ideal for witnessing the annual
Independence Day Celebrations (September 15 and 16) presided over by the Republic's president. The more contemporary
Hotel J.W. Marriott, is located nearby and a convenient distance from the
Catedral Metropolitana and the government's
Palacio Nacional, built by the conquistador, Hernán Cortes.
Avenida de la Reforma area: Avenida de la Reforma is one of the most important avenues in the city. It is said that Empress Carlota had it built to emulate Paris' Champs Elysees, and in order to observe Maximilian of Hapsburg as he made his way toward the
Palacio Nacional. Many hotels, most of them belonging to international or national chains, now flank this avenue. The
María Isabel-Sheraton Hotel faces the
Monumento a la Independencia, or El Angel. Other hotels in the area are the elegant
Hotel Emporio, the modern Hotel Fiesta Americana Reforma and the international
Four Seasons Hotel The Zona Rosa area: Located near Avenida de la Reforma and adjacent to the city centre, the Zona Rosa is ideal for its nightlife with a wide array of bars and discotheques situated throughout the area. The Holiday Inn and
Galería Plaza Hotel both offer refined modern amenities.
Chapultepec area: Heading south along Avenida de la Reforma, the expansive area known as
Bosques de Chapultepec offers several choices including the
Hotel Presidente Intercontinental and the
Camino Real Mexico.
Airport area: Brief holiday vacations or business travel often require accommodations in the vicinity of the city airport. There are various hotels conveniently located in the proximity of the International Airport.